“Des is someone that has plenty to offer from a defensive point of view across the Academy and Craig, meanwhile, has worked with us previously so we’re well aware of his skills and he is a welcome addition to the Under 21 coaching staff.”

Walker, capped 59 times for England, made just under 800 career appearances between 1983 and 2005. He had two spells at in the East Midlands at Nottingham Forest, as well as playing for Sampdoria in Italy and also Sheffield Wednesday.

On the international stage, he was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy under Sir Bobby Robson.

Earlier this year, his 17-year-old son Lewis Walker joined Derby from Ilkeston FC and has featured for the U18s in recent weeks.